Finding information about someone who has passed away can be a crucial step in genealogy research, legal matters, or simply paying respects. Online obituary databases have become invaluable tools for accessing these records. This guide provides comprehensive tips on how to effectively search online obituary databases, ensuring you can locate the information you need with ease.

Understanding Online Obituary Databases

Online obituary databases are digital archives that compile obituaries from various sources, including newspapers, funeral homes, and direct submissions. These databases offer a centralized location to search for death notices and life stories, making the process more efficient than sifting through individual publications. Many databases provide advanced search functionalities, allowing you to filter results by name, date, location, and other relevant criteria.

Types of Online Obituary Databases

There are several types of online obituary databases, each with its own strengths:

• Newspaper Archives: Many newspapers have digitized their archives, providing access to historical obituaries. Examples include the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times.
• Funeral Home Websites: Funeral homes often maintain online records of obituaries for the individuals they have served. These can be a valuable resource, particularly for recent deaths.
• Subscription-Based Services: Websites like Ancestry.com and GenealogyBank offer extensive collections of obituaries, often requiring a subscription for full access.
• Free Obituary Websites: Some websites, such as Find a Grave and Legacy.com, offer free access to a large number of obituaries contributed by users.

Benefits of Using Online Databases

Using online obituary databases offers numerous advantages:

• Convenience: Search from the comfort of your home, 24/7.
• Comprehensive Search: Access a wide range of obituaries from various sources in one place.
• Advanced Search Options: Filter results based on specific criteria to narrow down your search.
• Historical Records: Discover obituaries dating back decades or even centuries.
• Cost-Effective: Many databases offer free access or affordable subscription options.

Effective Search Strategies

To make the most of online obituary databases, it's important to employ effective search strategies. These strategies can help you refine your search and increase the likelihood of finding the obituary you're looking for.

Start with the Basics

Begin your search with the most basic information you have:

• Full Name: Enter the full name of the deceased, including middle names or initials if known.
• Date of Death: If you know the date of death, include it in your search. Even an approximate date can help narrow down the results.
• Location: Specify the city, state, or country where the person lived or died.

Use Advanced Search Options

Most online obituary databases offer advanced search options that allow you to refine your search. Take advantage of these features to narrow down the results:

• Keywords: Use keywords such as the person's occupation, hobbies, or affiliations to find relevant obituaries.
• Family Members: Include the names of family members, such as spouses, parents, or children, to improve the accuracy of your search.
• Date Range: Specify a date range to search for obituaries published within a specific period.
• Location Radius: Search for obituaries within a certain radius of a specific location.

Consider Variations and Alternatives

When searching for obituaries, it's important to consider variations and alternatives for the information you're using:

• Name Variations: Try different variations of the person's name, such as nicknames, maiden names, or alternative spellings.
• Spelling Errors: Be aware of potential spelling errors in the obituary or database and try different spellings.
• Date Discrepancies: Allow for potential discrepancies in the date of death, as errors can occur in records.
• Location Changes: Consider that the person may have moved during their lifetime, so search in multiple locations.

Explore Multiple Databases

No single online obituary database contains every obituary, so it's important to explore multiple resources. This increases your chances of finding the information you need.

• Free vs. Subscription Sites: Use a combination of free and subscription-based websites to maximize your search efforts.
• Local vs. National Databases: Search both local and national databases, as obituaries may be published in different locations.
• Specialized Databases: Explore specialized databases focused on specific professions, affiliations, or demographics.

Top Online Obituary Databases

Several online obituary databases stand out for their comprehensive collections and user-friendly search options. Here are some of the top resources:

Ancestry.com

Ancestry.com is a subscription-based service that offers access to a vast collection of obituaries and other genealogical records. With millions of obituaries from various sources, Ancestry.com is a powerful tool for tracing your family history. Its advanced search options and user-friendly interface make it easy to find the obituaries you're looking for.

GenealogyBank

GenealogyBank is another subscription-based service that specializes in historical newspapers and obituaries. It offers access to thousands of newspapers from across the United States, with obituaries dating back centuries. GenealogyBank's advanced search features and extensive collection make it a valuable resource for genealogical research.

Find a Grave

Find a Grave is a free website that relies on user-submitted data to create a comprehensive database of gravesites and obituaries. With millions of entries, Find a Grave is a great resource for finding information about deceased individuals and their final resting places. While the information is user-submitted, it often includes obituaries and biographical details.

Legacy.com

Legacy.com is a free website that partners with funeral homes to provide online obituaries. It offers a user-friendly interface and a large collection of obituaries from across the United States. Legacy.com also allows users to leave condolences and share memories of the deceased.

Newspaper Archives

Many newspapers have digitized their archives, providing access to historical obituaries. Some notable newspaper archives include:

• The New York Times: Offers a comprehensive archive of obituaries dating back to the 19th century.
• The Los Angeles Times: Provides access to obituaries published in Southern California.
• The Washington Post: Features obituaries of notable individuals from the Washington, D.C. area.

Tips for Refining Your Search

Even with the best online obituary databases and search strategies, finding the right obituary can be challenging. Here are some additional tips for refining your search:

Use Wildcards

Wildcards are characters that can be used to represent unknown or variable characters in a search query. Common wildcards include:

• *: Represents any number of characters.
• ?: Represents a single character.

For example, if you're unsure of the spelling of a name, you can use a wildcard to search for multiple variations. For instance, Smith* would find both Smith and Smithson.

Search by Location

If you know the city or county where the person lived or died, try searching specifically within that location. Many online obituary databases allow you to filter results by location, which can significantly narrow down your search.

Check Funeral Home Websites

Funeral homes often maintain online records of obituaries for the individuals they have served. If you know the funeral home that handled the arrangements, check their website for the obituary. This can be a particularly useful strategy for recent deaths.

Contact Local Libraries and Historical Societies

Local libraries and historical societies often have extensive collections of obituaries and other genealogical records. Contacting these institutions can provide access to resources that are not available online.

Consider Alternative Spellings

Names can be spelled in various ways, and errors can occur in records. Try searching for alternative spellings of the person's name to account for potential discrepancies. For example, Jon instead of John, or Ann instead of Anne.

Review Related Records

In addition to obituaries, review related records such as death certificates, census records, and marriage licenses. These records can provide additional information about the person and their family, which can help you confirm their identity and find their obituary.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Searching online obituary databases can present several challenges. Here are some common issues and how to overcome them:

Common Names

If the person has a common name, it can be difficult to find their specific obituary. Use advanced search options and keywords to narrow down the results. Including information about family members, locations, and occupations can help distinguish the person from others with the same name.

Incomplete Information

Sometimes, you may only have partial information about the person, such as their first name or approximate date of death. Use wildcards and variations to account for missing or uncertain details. Try searching with the information you have, and then refine your search as you gather more data.

Errors in Records

Errors can occur in obituaries and database entries, such as misspellings, incorrect dates, or inaccurate locations. Be aware of potential errors and try different variations of the information you're using. Cross-reference information with other records to verify its accuracy.

Access Restrictions

Some online obituary databases require a subscription or payment to access their full collection. Consider using a combination of free and subscription-based resources to maximize your search efforts. Check if your local library or historical society offers access to subscription databases.

Conclusion

Online obituary databases are powerful tools for finding information about deceased individuals and tracing your family history. By understanding the different types of databases, employing effective search strategies, and refining your search based on the available information, you can increase your chances of finding the obituaries you're looking for. Remember to explore multiple resources, consider variations and alternatives, and be persistent in your search. With these tips, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the world of online obituary databases and uncover the stories of those who have come before us. Happy searching, guys! And remember, patience is key; keep digging and good luck!